Italian National Championships

A wonderful display of burgeoning Italian banding talent took place at the  Italian National Championships at the Sala Culturale in the picturesque south Tyrol town of Eppan last weekend. Five bands played to very appreciative audiences across two divisions, with the Italian Brass Band defending its title and securing a place in Montreux 2019.  
   
Under the direction of conductor, Filippo Cangiamila, the Italian Brass Band produced terrific performances of the set test-piece, 'A London Overture' and own-choice work 'Metropolis 1927'. The band was closely rivalled by runners up Brass Band Wipptal and Brass Band Uberetsch in third. 

The adjudicating panel of David Childs, Hannes Buchegger and Andreas Luckner felt there was little doubt that Italian Brass Band were very worthy winners and made special mention of the solo playing from Luciano de Luca, the winner of the 'Best Instrumentalist'. Following the Gala Concert the euphonium player commented: "I am honoured to have been given this prize, especially as David Childs was listening to me play." 

The contest was led magnificently by Lito Fontana and his wife Mona, who are thrilled with the development of the brass band movement in Italy. Commenting about the event, Lito said: "We are all delighted by the way things are going here in Italy. We are realistic of course and we must build carefully to make sure we create something to last, but the signs are good, with nine bands now wishing to take part. Next year we hope to go to Palermo in Scilly, and I have also been approached to see if I can help with brass bands in both Spain and Portugal. The people know, like me, that it is a wonderful way to make beautiful music." 

Results: 

Division 1: 
Adjudicators: David Childs, Hannes Buchegger, Andreas Luckner 
1. Italian Brass Band (Filippo Cangiamila) — 95 
2. Brass Band Wipptal (Florian Klinger) — 94 
3. Brass Band Uberetsch (Hans Finatzer) — 92 
Best Soloist: Luciano de Luca (Euphonium from Italian Brass Band) 

Division 2: 
Adjudicators: David Childs, Hannes Buchegger, Andreas Luckner 
1. Brasskneidl — Die Puschtra Brassband (Robert Regensberger) — 90 
2. Imola Brass Band (Fabrizio Bugani) — 85  
Best Soloists: Flugel Horns from Brasskneidl — Die Puschtra Brassband 

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